by Lovely Eseoghene Onohwakpor
ADC Slams Senate for Blocking Natasha’s Return, Says Democracy Under Threat
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the continued obstruction of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming legislative duties, warning that the move signals a dangerous erosion of Nigeria’s democratic norms and constitutional order.
In a statement issued Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the Senate leadership of defying legal precedent and engaging in politically motivated suppression by refusing to reinstate the Kogi Central senator, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
Read also: Unidentified Body Found in Vehicle at National Assembly Complex
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on March 6 over allegations of insubordination—a decision she maintains was retaliation for her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment. The Senate dismissed the allegations, and she was stripped of her salary, aides, and office access during the suspension.
Although a court has ruled in her favour, and her legal team has indicated she plans to resume on September 23, a September 4 letter from the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly reaffirmed her suspension, citing a pending appeal.
Reacting to the development, the ADC accused the Senate of “institutional overreach” and warned that the prolonged obstruction undermines not only due process but also the rights of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents.
“Whether one agrees with the basis for her suspension or not, the tenure of that disciplinary action has lapsed,” Abdullahi said. “Any further attempt to prevent her from resuming is both illegal and morally indefensible.”
The party criticised what it called an emerging pattern under the APC-led government—of silencing dissent and marginalising opposition voices. It noted that barring Akpoti-Uduaghan from the chamber, despite the end of her suspension, is tantamount to denying representation to the people of Kogi Central.
“This is not discipline. It is institutional mugging,” the statement read. “A pending legal appeal does not suspend constitutional rights, nor does it empower any official to override the democratic mandate given to her by the people.”
The ADC also raised concerns over the Clerk’s refusal to process the senator’s resumption, describing it as “administrative complicity” rather than caution.
“His role is not to adjudicate but to facilitate,” the party said. “When the administrative machinery becomes hostage to political interests, the institution itself is diminished.”
Highlighting the gender implications of the case, the ADC reminded the public that Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in Nigeria’s 109-member Senate. It warned that the treatment meted out to her could deter other women from seeking political office.
“Nigeria’s already dismal 2.7% female representation in the Senate is among the lowest in Africa,” the statement added. “Actions that resemble gendered intimidation will only worsen that record and damage Nigeria’s global democratic image.”
The ADC called on Senate President Akpabio and his colleagues to immediately allow Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to her legislative duties.
“What is at stake is not just one Senate seat,” the party concluded, “but the integrity of our democracy.”
